Letter from Frances D. Shelden, Playground and Recreation Association, to Edsel Ford, April 5, 1928

Early 20th-century reformers created the Playground and Recreation Association of America to establish clean, safe, supervised play spaces for children living in crowded cities. Reformers hoped these playgrounds would promote a sense of physical, social, and moral well-being among America's children and youth. Annual pleas urged local business leaders to support this worthwhile cause.